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Doyle running for commissioner of the revenue
General Election 2007
BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER
 | | L. Lunora Doyle |
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MONTEREY - "I believe I have the variety of work experiences and the background needed for this position," said Lunora Doyle, candidate for Highland County Commissioner of the Revenue.
She said her strengths include a good work ethic, a happy personality and a devotion to whatever she is doing.
Doyle has a variety of experiences spanning more than a quarter-century. She worked in a tax-accounting office, prepared taxes, and worked for more than 20 years in a secretary/accounting position. She also owned, managed and operated High's Restaurant for eight years and is the current owner of Main Street Treasures and Pass It On Consignment Shoppe, all three in Monterey. She prepared payroll and payroll records, and took care of bookkeeping and tax forms using the latest computer software for her businesses.
"I have been a resident of Highland County for 25 years and during that time I worked on multiple farms, as a computer data entry operator, and as a secretary and tax-preparer in a tax and accounting office," said Doyle. "I also worked at the Highland Inn at the front desk. During that time I prepared the payroll and performed all clerical duties."
Doyle was also self-employed in domestic services, painting and yard work, and she was an office manager and secretary for a physical therapy practice for five years.
She is president of the Highland County Chamber of Commerce and a member of the board of directors of Highland Medical Center.
"The work experiences I have had have provided me a background that includes computer skills, management and secretarial skills, accounting experience, as well as given me the knowledge of working with the public and operating an organization,"' said Doyle. "I understand the importance of customer service."
She is not familiar with all the state laws and regulations that govern the functions of commissioner of the revenue, nor is she familiar with the overall property assessment functions of the office; but she intends, if elected, to get on-the-job training at a commissioner of the revenue's office before Jan. 1.
Doyle has spent a month reading about the duties of the commissioner. She learned the commissioner's duties include assisting customers with federal and state tax preparation, assisting with sales tax, preparing personal property tax and working closely with the treasurer's office. "And the commissioner of the revenue should be there for the public," she added. "The commissioner should work and be there."
Having been in accounting positions and having had responsibilities for payroll, income and purchasing, she understands the importance of periodic audits, she says. "The function of an audit is to make sure the records are kept according to state laws," she said. "Your records must be prepared, itemized and properly organized."
She said she does not know the findings of the latest audit in the commissioner of the revenue's office.
Doyle has developed her own management style over the past 25 years, she says. "I've always been very open and I listen," she said. "I am always looking for improvements to make things run a whole lot easier. I work well with others … Everyone is treated equally," she said. "Never judge a book by its cover. I worked with over 40 people at the restaurant and never favored one over the other."
She said the commissioner of the revenue's office has one deputy to assist the commissioner. "I don't think the job requires any more," she said. She doesn't plan any staff changes if elected.
She said she knows of nothing in her personal or business life that could create a conflict of interest if she were elected commissioner.
As a member of the HMC board of directors, Doyle deals with confidentiality issues. She said that experience would carry over to the commissioner of the revenue. "For example, it's not for me to tell others what is on your tax return," she said. Other things, such as the map book, are public information, she added.
Doyle placed her vocabulary and "having the right things to say" at the top of her list of weaknesses. She is a "highenergy multi-tasker" and considers that a weakness because she expects a lot from the people who work for her. "I never asked anybody to do anything that I haven't done myself," she said. "Little issues bother me more than big issues," she added.
"I love challenges and I love to learn," said Doyle. "It (commissioner of the revenue) will be a nice growing experience for me … I feel I can provide the level of service and quality that is necessary for the successful operation of the commissioner of the revenue's office."
About the candidate L. Lunora Doyle Age: 47 Married to contractor Donald Doyle; the couple resides in Monterey; two sons - one is a fisherman in Alaska and one is deceased. Graduated from Bath County High School in 1978. Experience: Computer programming courses, insurance education seminars, owned and operated High's Restaurant and presently owns and operates Main Street Treasures and Pass It On Consignment Shoppe. Serves on the board of directors of Highland Medical Center and president of the Highland County Chamber of Commerce.
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